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Chris Burch Develops A New Five-Star Resort, Nihiwatu

When Chris Burch bought a beach hostel on the Indonesian Island, he had no clue that the venture would be a worldwide leader in the hospital industry four years later. Known for his international retail brands like C. Wonder and Tory Burch, Chris’ five-star resort, Nihiwatu, which is based on the Indonesian Island of Sumba. In 2016, Travel + Leisure voted Nihiwatu as the best hotel in the world. In partnership with hotelier James McBride, the duo bought the hostel in 2012 and rehabilitated the facility to create a five-star resort, which was launched in 2015. They spent $30 million on the renovations. The resort has 27 private villas, including Chris’ private home, Raja Mendaka, which has additional four villas with private plunge pools. The plunge pools provide an amazing view of the Nihi Beach and the Indian Ocean.

Being in the remote of west coast of Sumba Island, Nihiwatu was nicknamed “The Edge of the Wilderness.” It features two two-story tree houses, which are connected by a bamboo bridge. Besides a bedroom, bathroom and balcony, the main tree house has a living room and a private infinity pool. In addition, the resort has traditional Sumbanese antiques, Ikat prints and local wood decorations. Clients can enjoy spa treatment in their own rooms or at the hotel’s beach spa. The hotel offers a series of entertaining and relaxation activities like yoga sessions, surfing, excursions to a nearby waterfall, and horseback riding. During the low season, the prices for a single-bedroom villa are as low as $750 per night.

About Chris Burch

Chris Burch is the founder and CEO of Burch Creative Capital, an investment firm that capitalizes on support and scale, incubation, creativity, and new market opportunities to come up with unique brands and businesses. With over four decades in the investment and entrepreneurial sector, Chris Burch has contributed to the establishment of over 50 businesses. They include ED by Ellen DeGenres, Poppin, Cocoon9 and TRADEMARK as well as established brands like Voss Water, Jawbone, and Faena Hotel + Universe.

Chris uses his extensive knowledge on consumer trends as well as international and direct sourcing experience to come up with innovative ideas for different brands. Presently, Burch Creative Capital is working with various consumer products and lifestyle brands that include retail, organic foods, hospitals, technology firms, apparel companies and home furnishings corporations. Some of these companies are Blink Health, Little Duck Organics, Brad’s Raw Foods, Soludos and BaubleBar. The company strives to create businesses and brands that have a positive and long-term impact on consumers’ lives.